A home can be sold at its best price in any season—even in winter. Of course more buyers come out to look in warmer weather, but people need to move year-round for many different reasons. Job transfers, learning there’s a baby on the way, or needing a home because one’s current house just sold are a few reasons people buy homes in winter. Instead of avoiding winter as a time to sell, consider the following advantages winter offers.
1. More serious buyers and fewer who are “just looking.” Obviously, people get out more in the spring and summer. Sometimes they just want to get a feel for what’s on the market when they’re not ready to buy. You won’t find many of this type putting on their heavy coats and boots to browse in winter. Although there are fewer buyers in this season, they are more serious ones. They wouldn’t be braving the weather if they weren’t anxious to find the right home. You have the advantage of fewer people traipsing through your home while increasing your odds of getting a more eager buyer who’s ready to make an offer.
2. Lower inventory means less competition from other sellers and possibly a better offer. Some people think a slow-down in traffic means they should wait until spring to put their house on the market. We’re already in a low-inventory situation, even in warm months, because there are more buyers than sellers. If someone absolutely needs to move before spring—they need a house. You’ll have less competition from other similar homes in your neighborhood and possibly command a better price because of it. That could also mean less time on the market.
3. Buyers who lost out on competitive bids will face lower competition. Buyers who lost one or more homes because they were outbid will be tired of buyer competition. The ones in the know will realize their chances are better when fewer of them are out looking. But having already felt the sting of a losing bid, they’ll still be willing to make strong offers in a low-inventory market.
Keep in Mind
If you’ve decided that winter offers your home great advantages for a sale, there are still some important factors to keep in mind that hold true to the season.
1. Curb appeal still matters. The branches are bare and driveways and walkways get slick and sloppy in winter. You might wonder what you can do about curb appeal. Ensure that fallen branches and withered plants are removed or cut away. Always keep the driveway and walkways shoveled and cleared to ensure safe passage inside your home. Decorative wreaths on the front door or lamppost help create welcoming warmth. If you have a photo of your home from a warmer month where flowers are blooming and the grass is green, use it in your MLS listing so that buyers know the potential of the exterior.
2. Price still matters. Just because there are fewer homes for sale this season, that doesn’t mean you can ask whatever you wish for your home. You still need to consider the stats of sales of similar homes in the last six months in your area to determine a price. Listen to your Realtor’s® advice on how to price your home right. Overpricing in winter is just as detrimental to a home as it is in other seasons.
3. Keep your home warm. You want potential buyers to find your home comfortable and appealing. Create visual warmth with decorative blankets or pillows. Use non-burning candles that light up with a switch. If you have a fireplace that isn’t wood burning, consider keeping it on during showings. And of course, keep the thermostat at a reasonably warm temperature (68 to 72 degrees) to encourage buyers to stick around and decide that they love your home.